Contractors for rehabbing distressed properties

[Michael R.]

Hi,

I am gearing up to purchase, fix, and resell distressed properties. I have dealt with contractors on a limited basis when fixing up my own house as well as doing a decent amount of renovations to a rental unit I own prior to renting it out. I have made a list of what appear to be reliable contractors from my Angie's List subscription and I am looking for advice on selecting a contractor for my eventual rehab business. The contractors I have identified have a long history of positive reviews (over 100 positive reviews). How do you normally screen contractors to ensure they are both qualified and up to the task to work on a rehab project? I want to enforce that I am starting a business that requires quality work that is different in nature from a regular residential project in the strict budget and time constraints, as well as the potential for a future business relationship for other rehabs if the work is done well. My biggest concern is that the reviews are positive for a private home residential job but not for a fast paced rehab that has a hard timeline and budget. Just want to see if anyone has any advice as to how they screen and make sure the contractor is on the same page. Thanks.